How Often and When to Fertilize Monstera?

Prominent for its unique leaves that seem to be an art of nature, Monstera is a hardy plant and doesn’t complain if you miss the watering cycle.

To turn your space into a luscious indoor jungle, you must take proper care of this Swiss cheese plant.

Most naïve gardeners assume that just watering can make the plant luscious. But, regular watering depletes the nutrients in the potting soil.

Unlike in the wild, where organic matter and decaying leaves add nutrients, Monstera plants grown in pots need to be fertilized regularly.

Fertilizing Monstera involves using a well-balanced liquid fertilizer once during the growing season. You can also use homemade fertilizers to enrich the Monstera plant.

Homemade fertilizers are regarded as slow-fertilizers that release essential plant nutrients slowly.

If you’re using homemade fertilizers, don’t use liquid fertilizers, as over-fertilizing can burn Monstera roots.

Why You Should Fertilize Monstera Plant?

As mentioned, in the wild, Monstera gets nutrients from the soil, but plants at your home need to be fed manually.

Fertilizer includes essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which help the Monstera grow strong and green.

Lack of nutrients can make Monstera leaves turn yellow, grow slowly, or develop smaller holes.

Fertilizing during the spring and summer, when the plant is growing the most, keeps it looking its best. Using a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month is usually enough to keep it happy.

Nutritional Requirements of Monstera

Like every plant, Monstera needs the right nutrients to grow large, healthy leaves with signature splits.

Along with key nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, fertilizer must include essential secondary and micro-nutrients.

• Nitrogen promotes lush, green foliage and helps in chlorophyll production for photosynthesis. A nitrogen deficiency leads to yellowing leaves and slow growth.
• Phosphorus strengthens roots, supporting water and nutrient absorption. It also aids in flower production, though Monstera are mainly grown for their leaves.
• Without phosphorus, stems may weaken, and growth slows. Potassium boosts disease resistance, regulates water movement, and prevents leaf browning.

Other nutrients like calcium strengthen cell walls, magnesium helps chlorophyll production, and micro-nutrients like iron and zinc support metabolic functions.

A balanced fertilizer during the growing season ensures proper nourishment. By maintaining the right nutrient levels, Monstera thrives, developing its iconic tropical look with large, vibrant leaves.

How Often to Fertilize Monstera?

Fertilizing at the right time is very important to have a strong and healthy root system.

Monstera needs more nutrients during the growing season (spring and summer to support new leaf production.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks at half-strength. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer at the start of spring to provide steady nourishment over several months.

In the dormant season (fall and winter), the growth of the Monstera plant slows down, so it requires fewer nutrients.

Fertilizing once every 6 to 8 weeks, or stopping completely, helps prevent nutrient build-up in the soil.

Over-fertilizing during this time can cause root damage or leaf discolouration. Using organic options like compost or worm castings can provide gentle, natural feeding if needed.

It’s important to watch for signs of over- or under-fertilization.

How do you tell that your Monstera needs fertilizer?

Stunted plant growth, discolored leaves and fewer or smaller leaves than usual are signs that show your Monstera plant needs to be fertilized.

Yellowing leaves, especially older ones, can signal a lack of nitrogen, while weak or drooping stems may suggest phosphorus or potassium deficiencies.

If your Monstera isn’t growing as expected despite proper watering and lighting, it likely needs fertilizer to replenish lost nutrients.

Another key sign is discolouration or unusual markings on the leaves. Pale or washed-out leaves could mean the plant lacks magnesium, while brown edges or spots may indicate a potassium deficiency.

If leaves develop a dull appearance or lose their vibrant green colour, the plant may not be getting enough essential micro-nutrients like iron or zinc.

Regular fertilization, especially during the growing season, helps keep your Monstera healthy, lush, and thriving.

How to Fertilize Monstera Plant?

To ensure the healthy growth of the Monstera plant, you must enrich it with the required nutrients.

Since Monstera are tropical plants, they need regular feeding to mimic the rich nutrients they would get in their natural habitat.

The key to proper fertilization is choosing the right fertilizer, applying it at the right time, and using the correct methods to avoid overfeeding or harming the plant.

1. Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Monsteras require a balanced fertilizer containing the three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Each of these plays an important role in keeping the plant healthy:

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes lush, green foliage and strong leaf growth.
• Phosphorus (P): Strengthens the root system and supports overall plant development.
• Potassium (K): Enhances disease resistance and improves water retention.

There are different types of fertilizers you can use:

• Liquid fertilizers: Provide fast nutrients and should be diluted to half-strength before applying. Best for biweekly feeding.
• Slow-release fertilizers: Release nutrients gradually over 2-3 months, reducing the need for frequent applications.
• Organic options: Worm castings, compost, fish emulsion, or seaweed extract are great natural fertilizers that improve soil health and feed the plant gently.

Monstera have different fertilization needs depending on the time of year:

• Spring and Summer (Growing Season): Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks when the plant is actively growing. This helps it produce large, healthy leaves. A diluted liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer works best.
• Fall and Winter (Dormant Season): Reduce fertilizing to once every 6 to 8 weeks or stop completely if the plant’s growth slows. Since Monsteras don’t grow as much during colder months, excess fertilizer can lead to nutrient build-up and root damage.

How to Apply Fertilizer?

To apply fertilizer to a Monstera plant, start by watering the plant thoroughly before fertilizing. This ensures the soil is moist and can absorb the nutrients properly.

Watering before applying fertilizer helps prevent root burn, as dry soil can absorb the fertilizer too quickly. Allow any excess water to drain out of the pot before fertilizing.

Next, when using liquid fertilizer, dilute it to about half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding. Pour the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Make sure to keep the solution away from the stem and leaves, as direct contact can cause burn or damage.

For slow-release fertilizers, sprinkle the granules evenly across the surface of the soil. Lightly water the soil to activate the granules, allowing them to release nutrients gradually over time.

If using organic fertilizers like compost or worm castings, mix them gently into the top layer of the soil. This helps the plant absorb nutrients steadily and naturally, providing long-term support for its growth.

How to Avoid Over-Fertilizing Monstera?

Too much fertilizer can be harmful to Monstera, leading to issues like:

• Brown leaf tips and edges: A sign of salt build-up from excess fertilizer.
• Yellowing leaves: Often caused by an overload of nutrients, which affects nutrient absorption.
• White crust on soil surface: Indicates excess mineral deposits that should be flushed out.

Important Tips

• Flush the soil with clean water to remove excess nutrients. Let the water drain completely.
• Reduce fertilization frequency until the plant recovers.
• Check for root damage and trim any rotting or unhealthy roots if necessary.
• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) for best results.
• Fertilize after repotting to help the plant recover and adjust to fresh soil.
• Avoid fertilizing newly propagated Monstera until they develop a strong root system (about 2-3 months).
• Observe your plant’s growth—if it looks healthy and grows well, continue with your current feeding routine. If growth slows, adjust fertilization accordingly.

Best Homemade Fertilizers for Monstera

I recommend using store-bought liquid fertilizer for houseplants. The reason is that homemade fertilizers can have a strong odour (if not used properly), which isn’t ideal for indoor spaces.

Anyway, if you want to try them out.

Homemade fertilizers can be a great, natural way to feed your Monstera plant. They are often eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easy to make. Here are some of the best homemade fertilizers that can help keep your Monstera healthy and thriving:

1. Banana Peel Fertilizer

Banana peels are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are great for promoting strong growth and vibrant leaves.

To make a banana peel fertilizer, chop up a banana peel into small pieces and bury them in the soil near the base of the plant.

Alternatively, you can make a banana peel tea by soaking chopped peels in water for 2-3 days and then using the infused water to water the plant.

2. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen, which helps promote lush green leaves.

Simply sprinkle a thin layer of used coffee grounds on the surface of the soil and lightly mix it into the top layer.

You can also add it to compost piles to enrich the soil further. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much coffee can make the soil too acidic.

3. Eggshell Fertilizer

Eggshells provide a natural source of calcium, which helps strengthen cell walls and supports strong roots.

Crush dried eggshells and sprinkle them on top of the soil or mix them into the soil. Over time, the shells will break down and release nutrients.

This homemade fertilizer is especially beneficial for Monstera plants that are growing quickly and need strong, healthy root systems.

4. Fish Emulsion

Fish emulsion is a natural fertilizer made from fish by-products, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals.

You can make a simple fish emulsion by diluting a small amount of fish waste in water. Use it as a liquid fertilizer by applying it every 4-6 weeks to your Monstera plant.

This fertilizer helps encourage healthy foliage growth and promotes overall plant vitality.

5. Epsom Salt Fertilizer

Epsom salt is high in magnesium, which helps with chlorophyll production and improves overall plant health. To make a homemade Epsom salt fertilizer, dissolve about a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.

Use this solution to water your Monstera every 1-2 months. Epsom salt also helps with nutrient absorption and prevents the yellowing of leaves, especially if your Monstera is struggling with magnesium deficiency.

By using these homemade fertilizers, you can give your Monstera the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy while avoiding synthetic chemicals.

Just remember to apply them in moderation and monitor how your plant responds to ensure it’s getting the right balance of nutrients.

Check this: 29 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants for Your Home

Conclusion

Fertilizing your Monstera plant with the required nutrients is essential for its healthy growth and vibrant appearance.

Choosing the appropriate type of fertilizer—whether liquid, slow-release, or organic—can provide the essential nutrients for vibrant leaves and robust roots.

Be mindful of the timing, fertilizing more frequently during the growing season and less during the dormant period. Always water the plant before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn, and ensure you’re using the right amount to avoid overfeeding.

With proper fertilization, your Monstera will thrive, growing beautifully and remaining healthy for years to come.